Last modified on Thursday 10th May, 2012.
Places To Visit In Devon
This is a list of attractions located within approximately 20 miles of Plymouth, plus a few others that are further afield (as marked) that should appeal to families.
The websites for South Hams visitor attractions and the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions have lots of ideas for days out, including details of child-friendly attractions Check opening times and admission charges before setting off on a journey.
Walking in Devon is a great source of ideas about walks of all lengths and varieties right through the county.
Babbacombe Model Village
Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay
Impressive model village with miniature landscaped gardens and an evening light spectacular. (34 miles from Plymouth city centre).
Becky Falls Woodland Park
Manaton, near Bovey Tracey on the east side of Dartmoor
A variety of trails through the woods, marked in different colours, from easy strolls to very demanding. Discovery trails for children. Stout walking shoes are recommended for the walk to the falls.
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Berry Pomeroy, near Totnes
One of the largest castles in Devon, it dates from Norman times, with dungeons and the ruins of a never-completed Tudor mansion. Said to be the most haunted castle in Devon. Refreshments. (28 miles from Plymouth city centre.)
Buckfast Abbey
Buckfastleigh
Built over a period of 32 years, being completed in 1938 by Benedictine Monks who made the monastery their home. The Abbey is a very beautiful building – visitors are asked to respect the fact that it is a church and dress and behave accordingly. Other attractions include an exhibition and award-winning education service, shops, tea rooms, a very comprehensive religious book shop, information office. Mother and baby room.
Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otters
Buckfastleigh
Butterflies from all over the world in a jungle habitat; otters in a carefully-designed environment. Also birds, fish and terrapins.
Buckland Abbey
Yelverton
Once a Cistercian monastery, then the home of Sir Richard Grenville who sold it to Sir Francis Drake; now jointly managed by the National Trust and Plymouth City Council. It contains many Elizabethan artefacts and details much of Drake’s history. Way marked walks through 600 acre estate. Family activities often arranged in school holidays. Situated ll miles north of Plymouth off the A386. Managed jointly by the National Trust and Plymouth City Council.
Burrator
Dartmoor
There are attractive walks in the woodlands surrounding Burrator Reservoir. Leave Plymouth on the A386 Yelverton road, from Yelverton follow the B3212 to Dousland, then follow the signs for Burrator.
Canonteign Falls
Chudleigh
Said to be England’s highest waterfall at 220 feet. Woodland walks, Wetland Nature Reserve, adventure playgrounds, picnic sites. (37 miles from Plymouth city centre.)
Coldharbour Mill Working Wool Museum
Uffculme, Cullompton
Discover the story of the Victorian adults and children who worked here! See how low children crawled under working machinery and find out how noisy a power loom was. Mill shop, restaurant and picnic area. (62 miles from Plymouth city centre)
Crealy Adventure Park
Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter
With the first log flume in Devon; also action realm, adventure realm, animal realm, farming realm, magic realm and natural realm. (47 miles from Plymouth city centre)
Dartmoor’s Minature Pony Centre
On Dartmoor 2 miles west of Moretonhampstead on the B3212
Over 150 animals including miniature ponies and donkeys that foal throughout the spring and early summer. on 20 acres of Dartmoor parkland. Picnic areas, Paddock View cafe, Willow Garden and gift shop. Closes for the winter.
Dartmoor National Park
The National Park Authority organise guided walks and events, some of which are specifically designed for young people and families. The walks are led by knowledgeable guides who are all Dartmoor enthusiasts. If you have any doubts talk to the guides before setting off. Final walking routes will be decided by the guide, taking into account the weather and ability of the group. Copies of the free Dartmoor Visitor newspaper, containing details of walks and other events, are available from the National Park Information Centres. For further information about Dartmoor visit the website or telephone/ visit the High Moorland Visitor Centre at Princetown.
Tel: (01822) 890414
Dartmoor Prison Museum
Princetown
Exhibits reflecting the history of the once infamous prison, which was built in 1805 and housed French and American prisoners of war in the early nineteenth century.
Tel: (01822) 322130
Dartmoor Zoological Park
Sparkwell, near Plympton
There are over 200 animals at Dartmoor Zoological Park, from tiny stick insects to Ben the Brown Bear and Solomon the Lion, set in 33 acres of beautiful parkland. Check out the website for opening times. Soon to be the subject of a feature film starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johanssen.
Devon Wildlife Centre and Hospital
Denbury Road Nr. Newton Abbot, TQ12 6BZ.
…is a New centre of excellence for the care and rehabilitation of sick, orphaned and injured wildlife, it is not a zoo. There are some residents, mainly orphans reared here and animals unsuitable to be released back to the wild. As the seasons change, so do the animals and birds admitted into the hospital. Consequently, there will be an ever-changing scenery of animals at the centre, each time you visit. (33 miles from Plymouth city centre.)
Diggerland
Verbeer Manor, Cullompton
Where adults and children can drive real JCBs; plus other activities. (63 miles from Plymouth city centre)
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre
Lifton, PL16 0AT
Has a glorious collection of working and static exhibits of fairgrounds, steam engines and vintage machinery. (27 miles from Plymouth city centre.)
Tel: (01566) 783425
House of Marbles
Pottery Road, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9DS.
House of Marbles are makers & purveyors of a world famous range of glass marbles, board games, classic toys, puzzles, pastimes & decorative accessories for the home and garden. They also offer a museum and fascinating marble runs; no entrance charge, and a cafe.
Tel: (01626) 835285
Living Coasts
Beacon Quay, Torquay
Family adventure and a chance to find out about marine conservation. (35 miles from Plymouth city centre.)
Morwellham Quay Open Air Museum
Tavistock
A 19th century copper mine and picturesque old port. Visitors can ride the woodland tramway beside the River Tamar and into the copper mine. Try on 1860′s costumes and watch fascinating demonstrations (seasonal). Explore the quays, Garlandstone ketch, cottages, farm, museums, school and workshops. Wildlife Reserve, woodland and riverside trails; picnic parks, Victorian Inn (seasonal).
Overbecks Museum and Garden
Sharpitor, near Salcombe. (National Trust)
A six-acre garden with rare plants and shrubs, with spectacular views over Salcombe estuary. Museum of ships, ship-building, local shells, moths, butterflies, birds’ eggs, animals. Children’s room with exhibition of dolls and toys. 100 year old Polyphon. Picnic area; light refreshments available. (28 miles from Plymouth city centre.)
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Totnes Road, Paignton
Large zoo, involved in conservation breeding programmes, with gardens, nature trail, family activity centre and miniature railway. The Zoo’s Education Service, which has classrooms, a library and a loan service of educational materials, welcomes educational visits. Refreshments; Mother and Baby room. (31 miles from Plymouth city centre.)
Pennywell Farm
Near Buckfastleigh
Download a voucher for £1.50 OFF per person!
The big all day farm fun and activity park. Farm craft and wildlife activities to entertain the family all day. Race the ferrets, bottle feed the baby lambs or enjoy a puppet show and sing-a-long in the Farmyard Theatre. A different hands-on activity every half hour; listen for the bell. Nativity plays and visits to Santa during December.
River Dart Country Park
Holne Park, Ashburton
90 acres of parkland, woodland, with riverside and nature trails. Extensive adventure playgrounds, and new Pirate ship in Smugglers Cove play lake with toddlers beach. Picnic areas and refreshments. During the school holidays organised day activities include climbing, caving and canoeing. Also ‘Dare Devil’ activities for all the family, including high ropes, mega zip wire, canoeing and indoor climbing (at small extra cost).
(30 miles from Plymouth city centre.)
Salcombe Chocolate Academy
Orchard Court, Island Street (next to Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream)
Chocolate courses and children’s parties. (27 miles from Plymouth city centre)
South Devon Steam Railway
The Station, Buckfastleigh
Steam trains running on the old GWR branchline from Buckfastleigh to Totnes from April to October. Set in several acres of grounds with picnic areas; children’s play area and maze, museum, stock shed, model railway, refreshments. Also Santa trains at weekends in December.
Tree Surfers
Gulworthy, Tavistock, PL19 8JE
Adventure for all the family with a high ropes course, zip wires, archery, mountain biking and the Tree Jump. They also offer Kids Only Adventure Days in the school holidays for 8 to 17 year olds.
Woodlands Family Theme Park
Blackawton, Dartmouth, TQ9 7DQ
The largest Family Theme Park in South West has 11 action packed Zones with all weather family fun. Experience white knuckle rides like the high flying Swing Ship and pulse pounding Avalanche, fly down water coasters that electrify and small rides that delight. Drive past the massive T Rex, flesh eating Velociraptors and baby dinosaurs in the new Dinosaur Farm. Dig for fossils, look for the dinos being fed and enormous mother guarding her nest. Explore indoor Fun Factories with four great rides including the stomach churning Trauma Tower and Soft Play Centres for little ones. Blast balls at buddies in the two Alien Planet Arenas and ride the Circus Train. Discover cuddly creatures and exotic animals, birds and insects at the Zoo-Farm, there are favourites for everyone. Then watch the great Grey Owl gliding and hawks diving in the Flying Displays at the Falconry Centre. Whether it’s wet or dry Woodlands is special for all age groups. (27 miles from Plymouth city centre)
